The Trump administration is allegedly blocking an undocumented teenager from having an abortion, arguing in court Wednesday that federal officials can’t allow her to leave a shelter unless she exits the country or is released to a U.S. sponsor.

Lawyers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) defended a decision by the Department of Health and Human Services to not let the 17-year-old travel to a Texas clinic to obtain an abortion, BuzzFeed News reported.

The girl, identified in court as “Jane Doe,” has been fighting to have the abortion since she was first detained at the U.S.-Mexico border on Sept. 11.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing on the girl’s behalf and wants an immediate court order to allow her to have the procedure.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan questioned the federal lawyers’ argument, saying she was “astounded” by the administration appearing to claim that the girl must carry her pregnancy to term or leave the U.S.

Many news outlets are putting their content behind paywalls, making it available only to paying subscribers. BCNN1 will never do that. Support our mission to proclaim, inform, inspire, and educate by making a one-time contribution today or becoming a regular supporter. As our “thank you” for a contribution of $25 or more, receive 4 Dangerous Spirits to Avoid, by Daniel Whyte III as a CD and MP3 download. CLICK HERE.